Policy
Turkmenistan is strengthening its role as a transit hub between Europe and Asia
21.04.2026An event entitled ‘Bridging Continents: Turkmenistan’s Evolving Transit and Logistics Potential’ was held in Brussels, focusing on the country’s role in strengthening transport links between Europe and Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The discussion was attended by diplomats, representatives of European institutions, the business community and the media, and was moderated by Alberto Turkstra, Project Director of ‘Diplomatic World’. The Turkmen delegation presented achievements in modernising the customs system, digitalisation and the streamlining of freight procedures. It was noted that the introduction of modern standards enhances the efficiency of transit and the transparency of logistics. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, emphasised that transport and logistics are becoming a key element of the global economy’s resilience, and that the country’s geographical location obliges it to play the role of a reliable transit hub. He also highlighted infrastructure development, including the port of Turkmenbashi and transport corridors. European participants, including representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, highlighted the growing interest in cooperation with Central Asia, particularly in the context of supply chain resilience and the development of the Trans-Caspian route. Participants agreed that the effectiveness of transport corridors depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the quality of procedures, digitalisation and predictability. In this context, Turkmenistan’s efforts were positively assessed. The event served as a platform for dialogue between diplomats, experts and the business community on issues relating to the development of the Eurasian transport system.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the election of the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
21.04.2026On 19 April, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the election of the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The procedure took place during the organisation’s 152nd Assembly, held in Istanbul. Following the vote, the post of Secretary General was taken up by the representative of Romania, Anda Cristina Filip. The participation of the Turkmen parliamentary delegation in this process demonstrates the country’s active involvement in international parliamentary and legislative activities.
Turkmenistan and Iran are strengthening ties against a backdrop of active dialogue
21.04.2026On 20 April, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed the progress made in implementing the agreements reached at the 18th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in May 2025 in Tehran. In addition, the participants reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and the prospects for its further development during the negotiations process. Separately, the interlocutors noted the importance of the cultural and humanitarian dimension of Turkmen-Iranian relations, emphasising its priority status on the overall agenda of bilateral dialogue. The Iranian side expressed its sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the humanitarian aid provided to the Iranian people on 14 March 2026 on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. This gesture was regarded as a genuine expression of friendship and fraternal ties between the two nations.
Ashgabat and the WHO aligned their positions ahead of the Geneva Assembly
21.04.2026On 20 April, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Egor Zaitsev, Head of the WHO Country Office in Ashgabat. A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister Azat Ovezov, also took part in the negotiations, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current state of Turkmen-NATO cooperation and identified priority areas for its further development. Separately, they discussed the promotion of bilateral and multilateral project documents, as well as preparations for upcoming international events in the field of healthcare. Among the key topics was preparation for the event in Geneva, which will take place as part of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly. Following the negotiations, both sides confirmed their readiness to deepen their partnership and expand regional cooperation in the field of public health.
Negotiations on strengthening Turkmen-Tajik business ties were held in Dushanbe
20.04.2026On 15 April 2026, a meeting took place in Dushanbe between Aymyrat Gochmyradov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan, and Farhodshokh Rakhmonali, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The interlocutors reviewed the current state and possible directions for the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, noting the consistently friendly and good-neighbourly nature of relations between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding practical cooperation. In particular, they discussed the organisation of business forums and exhibitions, the exchange of business delegations, and the establishment of trading houses in both countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in increasing mutual trade, boosting investment cooperation and further developing transport and logistics infrastructure.
Turkmenistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership
19.04.2026On 18 April, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a brief meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed expanding cooperation in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April, negotiations were held in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Hakan Fidan, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the start of the meeting, Rashid Meredov congratulated the Turkish side on the successful hosting of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF-2026) and the high standard of its organisation. The parties noted the consistently high level of bilateral relations, which are developing due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. Issues of political and diplomatic cooperation, the expansion of economic cooperation and the strengthening of the legal framework were discussed. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the international agenda and reaffirmed their similar approaches to issues of regional stability and security.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have coordinated their positions on regional issues
19.04.2026On 18 April, a meeting took place in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations. Particular attention was paid to preparations for high-level meetings scheduled for this year in both countries. The Heads of the foreign ministries also exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Foreign ministers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the high level of bilateral cooperation, which is maintained through regular dialogue at the highest level. Key areas of political and diplomatic cooperation were discussed. Preparations for international events scheduled for the coming months were also touched upon. Separately, an exchange of views took place on the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilisations
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Diplomacy Forum, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in promoting a culture of peace, intercivilisational dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding between countries. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of peace and trust, good-neighbourliness and equal international cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality serves as a tool for developing constructive dialogue at the international level. Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue cooperation and participate in efforts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence was confirmed.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position within the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Adem Kula, Secretary General of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of trade and economic cooperation between the Turkic states. The significance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan joining the Union in March 2024 was noted. Prospects for further partnership were considered. Among the priorities is the formation of joint production chains. Following the meeting, interest in developing cooperation was reaffirmed.
Turkmenistan and the CTBTO discussed cooperation in the field of security
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for collaboration between Turkmenistan and the CTBTO. The importance of strengthening international efforts in the field of global security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament was noted. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was reaffirmed. The possibility of hosting regional events in the country to mark the 30th anniversary of the Treaty’s opening for signature was considered. Issues relating to international monitoring, as well as the development of scientific and technical capacity and the training of national specialists, were discussed separately. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding practical cooperation.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
